Kidney Patients On The Rise

KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 (Bernama) -- About 15,000 kidney patients underwent dialysis nationwide last year and the number is expected to increase to 20,000 by 2010, Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) head of nephrology Dr Ghazali Ahmad said today.
"So far,57 per cent of the chronic kidney disease cases are caused by diabetes and if not treated early, the patients may have to undergo dialysis," he told reporters after the launch of the World Kidney Day by HKL director Datuk Dr Zaininah Mohd Zain here.
Most kidney failure cases area caused by diabetes, said Dr Ghazali.
He advised the public to maintain balanced and nutritious diet to prevent diabetes, gout, and high blood pressure which are associated with kidney problems.
In her speech, Dr Zaininah said steps should be taken not only to treat kidney patients, but also to slow down the process of kidney failure to delay dialysis and prevent disease that increase the risks of kidney problems.
The annual World Kidney Day organised by the HKL Nephrology Department in collaboration with its Catering and Dietetic Department is aimed at raising public awareness in the prevention, detection, and treatment of kidney disease.